Tea Antioxidants

Learn About Links between Weight Loss and Tea Antioxidants

Before delving into the benefits of tea antioxidants (including potential links between weight loss and tea antioxidants), and all their wonderful "anti" functions, we'll first take a peek at the definition of an oxidant.

As we mention in our January newsletter article, "Drink to Your Health," the affects of pollution, stress hormones, UV rays and other elements actually cause damage to our cells, impacting their ability to work properly. When this happens, cells lose an electron and become free radicals - a term we've heard before. The domino effect happens when these free radicals run rampant through our bodies, spreading oxidants to other cells to pull that needed electron. It is this process that leads to a number of health issues.

Taking a Closer Look at Tea Antioxidants

In recent years there have been many studies conducted in universities and labs worldwide to learn about the health benefits of consuming tea antioxidants, specifically polyphenols and EGCG (Epigallocatechin gallate), which are catechin compounds found naturally in tea leaves. Below are the tea antioxidants in Okuma's Wu-Long tea.

• Catechins
• They comprise 25% of the compounds that makes up a tea leaf.
• Recent research indicates that including tea antioxidants such as catechins in your diet, may lead to a decrease in body weight and a reduction of certain health issues.
• Catechins work with other naturally occurring chemicals in the body to intensify levels of fat oxidation, or thermogenesis, the process by which heat is created in the body by burning fat, which links weight loss and tea antioxidants together.

• Polyphenols
• Oolong tea has the most concentrated, highest level of polyphenols in comparison with green tea or black tea; Okuma's Wu-Long tea has the highest level of polyphenols in comparison with other brands of Oolong tea.
• In a study at the University of Chicago, animals tested were given polyphenols. As a result, they consumed 50% to 60% less food than those who drank water.
• A report by the Journal of Nutrition found that subjects who drank Oolong tea for three days increased their metabolism by 3%, which accounted to burning 67 more calories per day. This may not seem like much, but depending on one's current weight, there is potential to lose more than six pounds over the period of 12 months. The link between weight loss and tea antioxidants becomes even stronger when combined with a healthy diet and exercise.
• Other studies on the affects of polyphenols have focused on the following health issues and illnesses:
• Certain types of cancers
• Lowering plasma glucose in type 2 diabetic patients
• Lowering LDL cholesterol, high blood pressure, and heart disease
• Reducing bacteria that causes gum disease
• Clearer skin
• Hair loss prevention

• EGCG
• In a study "Oolong Tea Increases Metabolic Rate and Fat Oxidation in Men" by the University of Tokushima, subjects who consumed 244 mg of EGCG in Oolong tea experienced an increase in fat oxidation, which presented the potential for helping an individual to maintain a lower body fat content.

Experience the benefits of tea antioxidants with Wu-Long tea today, and see how easy it is to achieve your healthy body. Try it and love it, or your money back. If you have any questions about Okuma's Wu-Long products, visit our Wu-Long Tea FAQs or feel free to contact us for more information. Our friendly and knowledgeable customer service representatives are happy to assist you.